Erik Grammer Photography - I recently came across a post on Facebook with a photo of an elderly couple with a quote saying "We were born in a time when if something was broken we would fix it, not throw it away..." This quote resonated with me. I found myself thinking of it while working on the same house - for the fourth time. I affectionately call this beautiful Southern California beach house the Humpty Dumpty home. I started a wonderful business relationship with one of my favorite clients back in 2003. Initially, I was called in to "fix" and finish what another designer started. Once completed and with everything just so, the couple unfortunately divorced and amicably divided the art, rugs and furnishings. I was hired for a second time to recreate each room as close as possible to replace all items that were missing. The house was happily restored back to the original design and all was well for a few years. My client relocated to the East Coast for a temporary job assignment and the house was rented to a person (whose name I can't say) from a famous all-girl band. During this time there was a problem with the upstairs laundry room and water damage occurred. I was hired for the third time to help repair and update (ever so slightly) some areas in the house. My client requested to keep the design and feeling of the house intact because he loved it so much. A few years passed before a pipe broke in the master bathroom while the new renter was out of town on vacation. Unfortunately, things like this do happen - and if not attended to quickly, major damage can occur. In this case, nearly the entire house was flooded requiring it to be completely gutted and stripped down to the floorboards and studs. In January of this year, I was hired to help the client, the insurance company, and the contractor put the house back together again. But unlike the Humpty Dumpty story, this house has actually been put back together again - several times over. Although, this house and client have experienced some challenges, I say this is a perfect example of design success. My client has had many opportunities to change and create something new in his environment with every mis-adventure. Instead, he realizes his home is exactly the way he likes it. It has been such an honor to work with this man who is definitive, trusting, and confident enough to create (or re-create) the perfect home that "fits" his personality and lifestyle. Although this Humpty Dumpty home has been good for my business, I hope the next project with this client is to decorate another property - perhaps a New York City Apartment!

Valerie Wilcox Removal of a fireplace allowed for more space - as did the conversion of the old bulky cast iron rads with more contemporary European style slant-fin rads.

Affectionately nicknamed "The Beast," this 7,000 square foot log home located on the shores of Lake Michigan is a sight to behold. We worked on this estate with Northern Expedition Log Homes, LLC and Expedition Log Homes in Sheboygan, WI and can't be more pleased with the final, jaw-dropping results. This home was crafted with 8' cedar logs and we at DW3 Construction were in charge of framing as well as soffits and siding. Let's just say, it turned out better than we ever imagined. Take a look inside and let us know what you think... Kim Hanson Photography, Art and Design

Affectionately known as the "hell strip," the narrow area adjacent to the driveway becomes an absolute inferno with reflected heat when summer temperatures approach 100 degrees and above. Penstemon, angelita daisy and chocolate flower (not shown) look pretty in spring but can take the heat. A little leaf ash, Fraxinus greggii, saved in the renovation, anchors the planting. Design and photo Perennial Garden Consultants.

This gorgeous Carmel Valley kitchen and master bathroom remodel is a great example of how strategic spatial planning can truly transform a space. Affectionately referred to as “Mary Kay’s Kitchen” by the client, the addition of the large, functional island created the perfect focal point for the room and spot to entertain family and friends. By reconfiguring the appliance layout, we were able to achieve one of the client’s most important goals - more storage. A large walk-in pantry was created where previously, only a small cabinet existed. While the overall design is classic, vibrant pops of color pair perfectly with the white cabinetry, white marbled quartz countertops, and rich wood flooring. State of the art appliances by Sub-Zero and Wolf were also selected, making this avid home chef’s dream a reality. Upstairs, the master bath went from dated and drab to stunning and serene featuring His and Hers vanities, a double-sized walk-in shower with beautiful tile work, custom bench seating and dual shower heads, along with gorgeous flooring, and a luxurious soaking tub.

This award winning home was built in 2015 as a second home, and she affectionately named it “Second Wind”. There’s 3,000 SF of living space, and 2,000 SF of outdoor decks and porches. The home has an open floor plan and a dining booth built out of reclaimed pine. It even sports a “shuffleboard court” out on the patio.

Believed to be the oldest building in Excelsior Minnesota, this humble brick structure has transformed, been moved, and housed countless people over its 162 years. Affectionately known as ‘The Beehive’, it was built in 1857 and began as the original Excelsior schoolhouse. It was moved to its’ current location in the 1880’s and became a 23-room dormitory for Northwestern Christian College, followed by a boarding house, and finally apartments (in addition to the rumors of more sordid activities in the early 20th century!). After being in the same family for several decades, the owner wanted to transform the building one more time to make it her own home. Citydeskstudio worked closely with her and the Excelsior Historic Preservation Commission on the design. She now occupies the main floor, with additional units above and below for rental and for family. The design celebrates the stout and blocky character of the building with a new modern expansion off the back. There, the building steps and expands outwards in glassy boxes of charred cedar. Inside, the original structure was repaired and uncovered where possible, and previous poorly done modifications were corrected. The center piece of this more open and light-filled home is a rich modern kitchen in walnut, travertine, and steel. The old character remains ever present and is essential to the spirit of The Beehive’s latest transformation. This multigenerational home’s design honors the legacy of the property, marrying the original Excelsior schoolhouse with a beautiful, modern, contextually-sensitive remodel and addition. Project Team: Ben Awes, AIA, Principal-In-Charge Chris Bach Nate Dodge

This gorgeous Carmel Valley kitchen and master bathroom remodel is a great example of how strategic spatial planning can truly transform a space. Affectionately referred to as “Mary Kay’s Kitchen” by the client, the addition of the large, functional island created the perfect focal point for the room and spot to entertain family and friends. By reconfiguring the appliance layout, we were able to achieve one of the client’s most important goals - more storage. A large walk-in pantry was created where previously, only a small cabinet existed. While the overall design is classic, vibrant pops of color pair perfectly with the white cabinetry, white marbled quartz countertops, and rich wood flooring. State of the art appliances by Sub-Zero and Wolf were also selected, making this avid home chef’s dream a reality. Upstairs, the master bath went from dated and drab to stunning and serene featuring His and Hers vanities, a double-sized walk-in shower with beautiful tile work, custom bench seating and dual shower heads, along with gorgeous flooring, and a luxurious soaking tub.

We recently completed a project in Bend, OR, for a client’s man cave, which he affectionately calls his motorcycle café. We used one of our modular cabinetry designs to accommodate his changing needs, making it the perfect solution as he navigated a recent life change. Additionally, if he decides to move, he can take the cabinetry with him to use in his new space, making this solution very versatile and cost-effective over the long term.

Peaceful courtyard. Surrounded by redwood trees and the flowing sound of Soquel Creek, this charming multi-generational family winery is concurrently a tasting room, working winery and wedding venue. Clients wanted to update the landscaping, lighting and overall look of the property to reflect a rustic yet elegant European aesthetic that matches their fine wine. As such, striking and colorful plants were chosen in deep reds and pinks to match the brick and tile as well as the wine itself. High-quality FX Luminaire lighting was added throughout parking lot and trees were illuminated with uplights for a beautiful nighttime effect. The vintage cottage which was once "Grandma's House" is still affectionately referred to as such and now hosts bridal parties! The courtyard outside Grandma's House was updated with large pots, cascading roses and olive trees. The wedding reservations are coming in and tasting room guests are sipping Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir on the patio next to the creek.

Located in the Barton Creek Country Club Neighborhood. Arrowhead (affectionately named at one found at the site) sits high on a cliff giving a stunning birds eye view of the beautiful Barton Creek and hill country at only 20 min from downtown. Meticulously Designed and Built by NY/Austin Architect principal of Collaborated Works, this ludder stone house was conceived as a retreat to blend with the natural vernacular, yet was carve out a spectacular interior filled with light.

No Fault recently had the pleasure of completing Tirrill Park Playground Project, or what is affectionately called the “Rawrrr with Colton Playground.” Located in Manchester, Iowa, this park, dedicated to the memory of an area child, Colton Meyer, whose life was sadly cut short, serves as a beautiful memorial. Inlaid dinosaurs and dinosaur footprints give a nod to Colton’s favorite animal. We’re honored to have taken part in this project and are thankful to have had the chance to team up with Boland Recreation for another great playground design

This 3,738 Square Foot custom home resides on a lush, wooded hillside overlooking Arbutus Lake. The clients wanted to thoughtfully combine a “lodge” and “cottage” feel to their space. The home’s style has been affectionately and effectively called “Cott-odge” A beautiful blend of neutrals compose the home’s color palette to reflect the surrounding setting’s stone, sands, woods and water. White casework and rustic knotty beams round out the careful blend of “cott-odge” style. The great room’s multi-colored ledge stone fireplace and large beams create a cozy space to gather with family, while the efficient kitchen adorned with custom cabinetry accommodates optimal work-flow. The pairing of the varied styles creates an inviting lakeside, family retreat.

Every inch of this 4,200-square-foot condo on Las Olas—two units combined into one inside the tallest building in Fort Lauderdale—is dripping with glamour, starting right away in the entrance with Phillip Jeffries’ Cloud wallpaper and crushed velvet gold chairs by Koket. Along with tearing out some of the bathrooms and installing sleek and chic new vanities, Laure Nell Interiors outfitted the residence with all the accoutrements that make it perfect for the owners—two doctors without children—to enjoy an evening at home alone or entertaining friends and family. On one side of the condo, we turned the previous kitchen into a wet bar off the family room. Inspired by One Hotel, the aesthetic here gives off permanent vacation vibes. A large rattan light fixture sets a beachy tone above a custom-designed oversized sofa. Also on this side of the unit, a light and bright guest bedroom, affectionately named the Bali Room, features Phillip Jeffries’ silver leaf wallpaper and heirloom artifacts that pay homage to the Indian heritage of one of the owners. In another more-moody guest room, a Currey and Co. Grand Lotus light fixture gives off a golden glow against Phillip Jeffries’ dip wallcovering behind an emerald green bed, while an artist hand painted the look on each wall. The other side of the condo took on an aesthetic that reads: The more bling, the better. Think crystals and chrome and a 78-inch circular diamond chandelier. The main kitchen, living room (where we custom-surged together Surya rugs), dining room (embellished with jewelry-like chain-link Yale sconces by Arteriors), office, and master bedroom (overlooking downtown and the ocean) all reside on this side of the residence. And then there’s perhaps the jewel of the home: the powder room, illuminated by Tom Dixon pendants. The homeowners hiked Machu Picchu together and fell in love with a piece of art on their trip that we designed the entire bathroom around. It’s one of many personal objets found throughout the condo, making this project a true labor of love.

Located in the Barton Creek Country Club Neighborhood. Arrowhead (affectionately named at one found at the site) sits high on a cliff giving a stunning birds eye view of the beautiful Barton Creek and hill country at only 20 min from downtown. Meticulously Designed and Built by NY/Austin Architect principal of Collaborated Works, this ludder stone house was conceived as a retreat to blend with the natural vernacular, yet was carve out a spectacular interior filled with light.

Affectionately called the "snow cone" room, this dining area off of the kitchen is a perfect place to enjoy casual dining or sit with their coffee and read the paper in the morning. Intents Construction LLC - General Contractor on the project

Located in the Barton Creek Country Club Neighborhood. Arrowhead (affectionately named at one found at the site) sits high on a cliff giving a stunning birds eye view of the beautiful Barton Creek and hill country at only 20 min from downtown. Meticulously Designed and Built by NY/Austin Architect principal of Collaborated Works, this ludder stone house was conceived as a retreat to blend with the natural vernacular, yet was carve out a spectacular interior filled with light.

This 3,738 Square Foot custom home resides on a lush, wooded hillside overlooking Arbutus Lake. The clients wanted to thoughtfully combine a “lodge” and “cottage” feel to their space. The home’s style has been affectionately and effectively called “Cott-odge” A beautiful blend of neutrals compose the home’s color palette to reflect the surrounding setting’s stone, sands, woods and water. White casework and rustic knotty beams round out the careful blend of “cott-odge” style. The great room’s multi-colored ledge stone fireplace and large beams create a cozy space to gather with family, while the efficient kitchen adorned with custom cabinetry accommodates optimal work-flow. The pairing of the varied styles creates an inviting lakeside, family retreat.

Affectionately nicknamed "The Beast," this 7,000 square foot log home located on the shores of Lake Michigan is a sight to behold. We worked on this estate with Northern Expedition Log Homes, LLC and Expedition Log Homes in Sheboygan, WI and can't be more pleased with the final, jaw-dropping results. This home was crafted with 8' cedar logs and we at DW3 Construction were in charge of framing as well as soffits and siding. Let's just say, it turned out better than we ever imagined. Take a look inside and let us know what you think... Kim Hanson Photography, Art and Design